The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory is one of the oldest buildings on the University of Maine campus; it was originally built in 1900, when the University of Maine was only known as the Maine State College. Visit the Observatory History page to learn more about the history of this unique and important part of the UMaine campus, or take the Observatory Tour and see what the Maynard F. Jordan Observatory offers today.

Click on the telescope to tour the Observatory

Sky-2-Go

The Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium and Observatory both encourage all people to learn more about the heavens. To help back-yard astronomers, the Jordan Planetarium has developed a series of audio files, free for download, which will guide the listener through viewing the more popular stars, planets, and constellations in the night time sky. Simply download the file onto your MP3 player, and you will be ready to star gaze when ever and where ever you want.

 

 

Backyard astronomers should come armed with a filtered flashlight; red light is easier on the eyes and doesn't disrupt observing. Click here to print a filter for your flashlight.

Tools

The Jordan Observatory offers several useful tools and links for astronomers. They include links to SEDS: Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, The Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute Digitized Sky Survey, the U.S. Naval Observatory and the "Sky and Telescope" magazine website, along with other sky watching resources. Monthly sky charts can be found here and are available for you to download. Skymaps has very detailed sky charts with planet finding information and calendar of events.

Lighting

Proper lighting is absolutely necessary for any astronomical viewing. The University of Maine makes use of outdoor lighting for the safety of night time pedestrians; but these lights can make observing difficult or outright impossible. Read more about lighting issues and how to get the lighting just right for your own viewing .

Telescopes

Looking to buy a telescope of your own? Be sure to read through these recommendations and tips first

Weather

Current Weather updates are always crucial to outdoor night sky viewing. On the weather page you will find the most recent Orono, Maine observing conditions along with satellite imaging and a clear sky clock.